Southpaws and controller design

[Ack]

Hey Luke, it sounds like you have effectively mastered what most folks would consider a disability without any special devices, so I don't know if you can actually answer my question. Someone(I think it was Limewater) mentioned the use of an arcade stick.

Have you ever used a device similar to an artificial hand or claw on an arcade stick, and how well do they work? Do certain stick designs prove to be more of a problem? Also, how do you use an arcade stick without any device? The reason I ask is because I tend to either grasp sticks with my fingers, or press my palm into the top and control it that way, depending on the design. I was wondering if you had any styles that you've developed for them.

[MrPopo]

Thanks! That's interesting. If I may continue this line of questioning, did you ever have fingers on that hand, or did you lose them at some point after birth?

I ask because you sound like you have a fully-functional hand minus the fingers. The only two people I have know who were missing fingers congenitally also did not have a full palm.

No worries man, it's never bothered me to talk about it. My situation is kind of comparable to Jim Abbott, a former MLB pitcher who has thrown a no hitter (although my hand looks more developed). I have never had fingers on my left hand, but not from a birth defect. While still inside my Mother, I punched the uterus wall, damaging my hand (I've never known my own strength) . Usually at this stage of birth, your motor skills are limited to left and right, not each limb. What usually happens is that both arm and leg reflex, and more time than not, a person loses both a foot and a hand, or a entire arm and leg. This happened to an NFL kicker, who lost his arm up to his elbow, and had half a foot. So, I'm pretty lucky I didn't lose a foot as well. Weird though, I almost had both of my legs amputated when I was around 6 years old due to HSP. I consider myself lucky. Sorry to get off track, but yes, it's a full functioning hand minus fingers.

Not to toot my own horn, but luckily for me, I'm smart, tall, built, and handsome. Rarely do people bother me about it, but I've probably heard it all before, so I always have some quick response to any insults. It is amazing how many people with awful teeth ask me "What's wrong with your hand?", it's almost to easy respond with, "My hand? My GOD! What is wrong with your teeth?". Asking me about it is fine, especially the way you have, but I don't appreciate the gawkers.

My apologies for my poor choice of words; I never intended to offend. I am fascinated by all things related to the human body that differ from the norm, and your description of your condition is really interesting.

[Luke]

Hey Luke, it sounds like you have effectively mastered what most folks would consider a disability without any special devices, so I don't know if you can actually answer my question. Someone(I think it was Limewater) mentioned the use of an arcade stick.

Have you ever used a device similar to an artificial hand or claw on an arcade stick, and how well do they work? Do certain stick designs prove to be more of a problem? Also, how do you use an arcade stick without any device? The reason I ask is because I tend to either grasp sticks with my fingers, or press my palm into the top and control it that way, depending on the design. I was wondering if you had any styles that you've developed for them.

Ack,
You touched on something important, I've never considered it a disability. Those who can't adapt to their environment can never advance in life. Not trying to sound like a guru, but it is the truth. Okay, on to your questions:

1) No, I've never wanted or used a "claw" or an artificial hand. That is all nonsense to me. You work with the cards you've been dealt, and use them to the best of your ability. Any type of prostheses would hinder my natural abilities.

2) Nope, except for driving manual cars. Why did VW use to put R where 1 should be?

3) Back read for this one, I have grasping muscles, so controlling an arcade stick is no problem.

[Luke]

My apologies for my poor choice of words; I never intended to offend. I am fascinated by all things related to the human body that differ from the norm, and your description of your condition is really interesting.

PM'ed.

[Ack]

Yeah, I didn't want to call it a disability because it didn't sound like it was disabling you. I figured you wouldn't be using one, but just wanted to ask. Thanks for the info.

[zarathstra]

Funny story about handedness:

My dad and I are both left handed, and were the primary computer users in my house growing up, so we kept the mouse on the left side. My mom and brother, both right handed, just got used to using the mouse with their left hands. To this day, even though none of us live together anymore, they both us the mouse with their left hands.

[DNT 2.5]

From a right handed perspective, I find that my right hand is more ideal for aiming, That might be because I have a serious genetic "Shake" and I cant aim as well with my left hand.
(By shake I mean my hand actually shakes, especially when doing mentally demanding things like soldering)

[opticledilusi0n]

Limewater,

about the mouse thing

i just move the mouse to the left and used it with the regular button layout (angling my left hand to have my index finger hover over the left button)

after a while it becomes natural

i learned that trick when logitech stopped making the left handed mouseman

and then working in IT yields too many computers with right handed users to support...